[Fitz]

Hi, everyone:

Sorry about the late reply, but I just checked out the forum for the first time tonight.

I finished my restoration in the spring and used the boat extensively this season. The engine is a 1989 Evinrude 200 XP. It had 450 hours on it when I bought the boat last fall.

I was very pleasantly surprised about the engine's condition. I had originally planned on having it rebuilt, but it tested and ran so well that there was no reason to do so. I now have 510 hours on it. It has always started immediately and run smoothly at all rpms.

Performance-wise, the boat really screams. Hole shot and torque are amazing, even with a full load. It does 45mph @ WOT (6,000 rpm) with four people and an average load (GPS-rated). The top speed I've clocked was 47.5mph @ WOT on smooth water.

I added the stern seat, along with an extra 20-gallon tank that's hidden below. That tank is connected to the standard 20-gallon bladder tanks via a 3-way manual switch located on the transom. Needless to say, this engine is thirsty, so the extra tank is a real plus.

I love the boat, and I'd be glad to answer any other questions.


Emmett